Yes. The Burke Science Building that houses the planetarium has an accessible ramp at the rear of the building (please see the Directions page for a map showing the accessible ramp entrance). From inside the building, the planetarium can be accessed either via a few short stairs or the planetarium elevator. Please see the Photos page to see the width of the planetarium door. Inside the planetarium, there is space for one person in a wheelchair. To ensure we can provide the best experience for your group, please email us with any accommodation questions and/or concerns.
Our seating capacity is 35 + 1 wheelchair space; that is the maximum size your group can be. As for the minimum size: you can book a show all to yourself if you’d like. There is no minimum size for groups.
This isn’t allowed because of the Fire Code. Our open floor space needs to be clear to provide the emergency exit route.
Our shows are not pre-recorded, they are given live by one of our presenters. This allows for interaction between the audience and the presenter and also for the content and level of the show to be tailored to each specific audience. Every show is one of a kind.
Yes, we have a presenter leading the show. All of our presenters are pursuing graduate studies in astronomy, and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Our shows focus astronomical objects currently visible in the night sky and objects that are too faint to be seen with the unaided eye. Alas, very little time is devoted to the popular music of recent decades (unless it’s a themed show on music!)
No. Observatories are able to open to the sky and designed to study astronomical objects and events. These are often located in areas away from cities to minimize light contamination. Our planetarium shows images of the stars, planets, the Moon and other objects in the sky. (Our location in the basement of the Burke Science Building also makes opening our dome impossible!)
It has been our experience that children younger than six don’t really appreciate a planetarium show geared towards older children or adults. Given the length of the show they can become bored and restless, distracting other audience members. To be fair to other patrons, the presenter will ask children to leave if they become too noisy. The acoustics of the dome make even small noises seem very loud.
You do not have to pay for babies under two in arms. However, if the baby becomes too noisy, the presenter will ask you to leave to be fair to others in the audience.
During a public show, you will not be allowed to re-enter if you leave the dome. To do so is dangerous because the stairs and dome are dark during the show. We regret we accept no responsibility for a patron having to leave, whatever the reason. We provide no refund, no re-entry and no transfer to another show.
In advance, online (tickets may be available via cash payment only, but this cannot be guaranteed). Admission is $10/person. More details can be found on the Schedule and Booking Info pages.
We may be able to give shows in different languages depending on the current group of presenters. Please contact us to enquire.
Yes. We note that our presenters are trained to talk through and describe what they are showing in the presentation. If you would like to know, or have questions or concerns, please feel free to email us in advance of your show so that we can describe what to expect in more detail and to pass along any relevant information to your presenter.
We do our best to minimize fast, spinning motions and flashing lights. However, one of the features of the planetarium is that we are able to show the motions of objects in the night sky that you would otherwise have to wait hours, days, or even years to see. Because of this, some programs may include simulated movement or brief light changes. Our presenters are trained to announce when noticeable motions and potential flashing effects are going to occur.
If you have a medical condition that may be affected by motion, light, or visual effects – such as motion sensitivity, vertigo, migraines, or photosensitive epilepsy – we encourage you to take whatever steps help you feel comfortable. This may include choosing a seat near the exit, closing your eyes during certain segments, or stepping out of the planetarium if needed.
If you have concerns about how a program may affect you, please feel free to email us in advance of your show so that we can describe what to expect in more detail and to pass along any relevant information to your presenter.
Yes.
Service animals: If the service animal is used by the person for reasons relating to their disability but is not readily identifiable (e.g., as a result of visual indicators such as a vest or harness worn on the animal), documentation from one of the following regulated health professionals listed below will need to be provided: audiologist or speech-language pathologist, chiropractor, nurse, occupational therapist, optometrist, physician or surgeon, physiotherapist, psychologist, psychotherapist or mental health therapist. Support animals: Support animals are permitted with the appropriate documentation from one of the regulated health professionals listed above as outlined in the Regulation 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Documentation: To respect your privacy and confidentiality, we will ask you to provide any required documentation electronically in advance, along with details of which show you have purchased tickets for. We will then ensure your presenter is expecting you and your animal. Further details can be found on McMaster’s Important Resources and Summary of AODA Requirements.
Note: Please be advised that owners of the animal must provide cleanup of scat (droppings) in a manner that disposes of the material in an appropriate manner, and that animals must be under the owner’s care and control at all times. More information can be found here.
We are committed to accommodating the needs of all individuals, including those who rely on service or support animals and those who have allergies or fears related to animals.
Where possible, we implement the following approaches:
We will make reasonable efforts to find a balanced solution that respects everyone’s needs.
Yes. When purchasing one ticket for yourself, please email us with the details of the show you have purchased the ticket for, and we will reserve a complimentary ticket for your support person. We will also let your presenter know to expect you, your support person, and your Access 2 card.
Evacuation (non-lockdown situations)
Guests requiring accessibility assistance
Lockdown procedures
Campus Safety Services contact information